Losing Charley

Chapter 9 Part 3

The Dixon-West game is the biggest rivalry game of the season in Grassy Pond. It's been that way since the schools were built. Tonight, every store will close, every person in town, and those that are from West High will arrive in our little rinky-dink town to watch two great teams go head-to-head to see who comes out on top. After the game, we all hope to celebrate a win at someone's farm or the pool hall. But regardless of a win or loss, there will be a party somewhere.

I get ready and decide that I'm going to wear my old Dixon High Tigers t-shirt that I have totally cut up, added ribbons and made original. I grab my favorite pair of Miss Me jeans and my boots. I leave my hair down, add makeup, and I'm ready to cheer on the Tigers.

I go downstairs with about ten minutes to spare before Cash gets here. Tessa comes down about two minutes after me.

"Dang, Char! I love that shirt! You're gonna have to do mine like that!"

"Thanks, Tessa, and you know I will. Are you riding with Cash and me?"

She gives me the, are you crazy look.

"Nah, I'm going to pick up Sally, and we're going to go together."

"Oh, okay. Do you know where the post-game party is tonight?"

"Yeah, there's a bonfire at the McCracken farm. Y'all going?" Tessa smiles.

"Not sure, but I'd guess so. Cash never misses a good ol' country party."

"I'll see you at the game, Charley. Y'all be careful."

"You too, Tessa. Call me if you need me later."

Tessa makes her way out of the house and tells Mama and Dad bye, but not before grabbing a bite to eat and inhaling it. Tessa is very different from me. I always went to parties but rarely drank until I started dating Dylan. Tessa loves to party. I know she is smart enough to call me or stay put rather than drive.

Mama has supper ready, and I fix a plate. I text Cash that supper is ready when he gets here. We didn't discuss supper, but it's kind of a well-known fact that if we're going to do something and my mama has cooked, he's always welcome.

Cash knocks and then opens the screen door. He comes into the kitchen, and his mouth hits the floor when he sees me. He quickly picks it up before my parents notice. We eat quickly, and out the door we go. Mama and Dad aren't far behind us.

I climb into the cab of Cash's truck, and he looks at me like, really? I slide over, sitting right next to him. He puts his arm around me, and I place my hand on his leg. I give him a quick kiss on the cheek, and we're at Dixon High before we know it.

Driving into the parking lot at Dixon High, I get an eerie feeling. I both loved and hated the school at the same time. There were so many great memories, but also my worst nightmare. We approach the gate, and it's like Cash can sense what I am thinking. He grabs my hand, interlocks our fingers, and squeezes, reassuring me that everything will be fine.

Once we are inside the gate, we see our entire graduating class, except for Piper and Dylan. Thank God! We talk and catch up on what is going on. We also make plans to go to the McCrackens' tonight after the game.

At seven on the dot, the band begins to play the well-known beat before the Tigers come out and pile up. That is a tradition that goes back to before my dad played. All the players pile on top of each other, and by the end, the players are jumping and flipping. It's freakin' fantastic. The game starts, and Dixon has control of the ball first. There isn't much headway in the game. Both teams aren't giving up any yards, which is exactly why this game is such a big deal. You never know who will win.